The Best Time to Buy a Home (That No One Talks About)

Every year, without fail, something predictable happens in the real estate market, and almost no one takes advantage of it.

While everyone else is distracted by holiday plans, travel, family gatherings, school parties, and end-of-year chaos, the housing market quietly shifts in favor of buyers.

We see this pattern every single year, and yet most buyers don’t capitalize on it. Here’s why this season matters and how being strategic right now can save you money, stress, and competition.

1. Homes sit on the market longer (and sellers feel it).
Historically, this time of year shows a consistent bump in days on market. That means:

• More motivated sellers
• More negotiability
• Less competition
• More room for buyer-friendly terms

While sellers wait for the January “spring market kickoff,” the listings already on the market are experiencing slower traffic, and that creates leverage.

2. Inventory dips… but so does buyer demand.
Total listing count shrinks this time of year, but buyer activity drops even more. People pause their searches because “the holidays are too busy,” and they tell themselves they’ll restart in January.

But here’s the thing… You’re not competing with the full marketplace anymore. Fewer buyers means fewer bidding wars and more favorable outcomes.

3. Sellers who list now are serious.
We typically advise sellers not to list during this time of year unless they absolutely need to sell. So when a seller does list? They usually:

• are relocating
• have a time-sensitive move
• have already purchased another home
• can’t carry the property into the new year

Which means: they’re ready to negotiate and get a deal done.

4. You can secure the home now and close in the new year.
Many buyers worry about moving during the holidays, but here’s the hack: You can negotiate a January closing.

You lock in the home now (and the seasonal advantages), then start fresh in the new year. Win-win.

5. This window repeats every single year but gets ignored.
This isn’t a secret. But it acts like a secret because almost no one listens. Buyers say…
“I’ll start after the holidays.”
“I’ll get serious in January.”

But by then? Other buyers flood back into the market and competition spikes instantly. The data shows it. The patterns show it. Our experience shows it. Holiday-season buyers consistently win.

If you're considering buying in 2026, or even “sometime soon,” don’t underestimate the power of this window. Mid-November through December is the most underrated buyer opportunity of the year.

If you want to see historic Days on Market charts or talk about whether this window is right for you, we’re happy to walk you through it. Send us a message, and let’s chat!